Petersburg is tightening its rules for traveling merchants. Among other requirements, door-to-door sales people will have to display a borough-issued identification badge under an ordinance revision now in the works. Borough Finance Director Jody Tow explained the proposed change during Monday’s assembly meeting.
“People that go door to door, they’re going to have to have a photo ID from my department and if I have any questions or anything, I’ll have the discretion to request the police department to investigate the applicant and also, we’re limiting the hours they can go door to door. Before there wasn’t a time limit and now it’s going to be eight to six.”
Whether or not they are going door-to-door, itinerant merchants already have to apply for a local business license and collect sales tax. That doesn’t always happen, according to Tow. She said the borough has sometimes had to have a police officer find the merchant and inform them about the rules. Tow said the borough has gotten a few calls from concerned residents about the issue. The requirements do not apply to garage sales or fund-raising efforts by school kids and recognized non-profits.
The Assembly passed the ordinance in 2nd reading Monday.
Petersburg has been reviewing its municipal code as part of its transition to a borough government.
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In other news from Monday’s meeting, the assembly passed a resolution adding Papke’s Landing as an official posting place for meeting notices and other borough announcements. That comes at the request of area residents. The borough has gotten permission to install a message board on the land, which is owned by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. It will be adjacent to Papke’s dock.
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